Starfish Pack program helps 54 Mission students

The Rotary Mission Starfish Pack program provides two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and snacks every Friday for local students who depend on school breakfast or lunch programs during the week.

Each program is run by partnerships among local service clubs, non-profits, businesses, faith groups and individuals.

At a cost of $525/child for the school year, all of locally donated dollars stay in the community, and 100 per cent of those funds are spent on purchasing food for local children.

The Rotary Club of Mission Starfish Pack program currently delivers 54 backpacks to local elementary, middle and high schools.

“Delivery of 54 backpacks to students in eight schools in Mission is an accomplishment that should be celebrated and we want to do more,” said Janet Chalmers.

“This year we expanded to a high school and learning centre, out of our experience with elementary schools, and, with some growing pains, things are settling well with teens accepting our help. We decided as a Rotary Club that no one ages out of need and we are proud to step out of their/our comfort zone and help these kids and families,” said Chalmers, adding that they have an amazing team of volunteers in Mission who pick up, pack and deliver the backpacks.

She said the continued support of Mission’s Save-On-Foods has made this partnership with schools and community an amazing project.

“They do all the work. We just pick up, pack and deliver.”

Other supporters and sponsors include the Rotary Club of Mission Sunrise, Mission Community Services, Unitex, Abbotsford Community Services and the Mission Record.

“We would like to acknowledge the generous GoFundMe Campaign in the memory of Sandra Selvaraja – organized by Sandra and Ken’s granddaughter Kelly.”

The fund raised over $12,000 for the Starfish Pack program in Mission and will be managed by the family and the Rotary Club to provide support for families over the years as a legacy to Sandra.

To learn more about the program, or to donate, visit starfishpack.com/mission.

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